distributor /wiring problem

[callbald]

64 galaxie 289: The engine runs with a plug not firing. Cleaned and re-gaped the plugs, no change. Started checking the plug wires and found them in correct distributor order BUT the #1 plug wire is in the #6 distributor terminal. AND with #1 piston at TDC the rotor is pointing to the #6 terminal. What the heck and the engine runs.

 

[40cpe]

Be sure the rotor is pointing to the # 1 plug wire (position doesn't matter) when the #1 cylinder is at TDC on the compression stroke. #6 will also be at top dead center at the same time, but at the end of the exhaust stroke.

Have you verified no fire to the cylinder, or just have a dead miss? The cylinder can have fire to the plug, but if no compression the cylinder won't fire. You could have a bad plug wire. Ohm it out, or replace it with another. The plug could be dead, you have to troubleshoot.

 

[dmsfrr]

64 galaxie 289: .... Started checking the plug wires and found them in correct distributor order BUT the #1 plug wire is in the #6 distributor terminal. AND with #1 piston at TDC the rotor is pointing to the #6 terminal. What the heck and the engine runs.

It's been a rough weekend and maybe I'm confused (easily done these days) but,
are you sure you're looking at lined up timing marks at TDC of the cyl 1 Compression stroke, or TDC of the cyl 1 Exhaust stroke?
You may want to confirm by turning the engine in it's usual direction while watching for the cyl 1 intake valve to close, then a bit more until the timing marks line up.
If you don't want to remove the pass. side valve cover, putting an index finger in the #1 spark plug hole to feel & hear the pressure building up on the compression stroke may work for you. If there's any debris around the spark plug hole clean that off first.

It's possible the distributor shaft was put in 180* out of position by a previous owner, and the plug wires on the cap were moved to match.

If only one plug is not firing it's a problem specific to that plug: a bad plug, bad plug wire, or that contact in the dist cap.
.

 

[baldmustang]

A long time ago, when I was tuning up a 289, I bumped the plug when I installed it and closed the plug gap to zero. Check your plug gap in that cylinder